American Steakhouse Might Be Connecticut’s Best Bang For The Buck

In these troubled economic times, it’s natural to look for ways to stretch your dining dollar. But some of us have always been budget-conscious. For years, I have viewed American Steakhouse as one of Connecticut’s best bangs for the buck. Much credit for the success of these surprising restaurants should go to hard-working owner Isabel Tartaglia.

The American Steakhouse family of restaurants has locations in Bridgeport, Meriden, Norwalk, Waterbury and West Haven. Although I have also visited the Waterbury branch, given that I have resided much of my life in the greater New Haven area, it’s the West Haven branch that I have visited since the late 1970s.

Recently, that branch has been renovated so that it cuts a handsomer profile from the freeway. It has also gained new competition in Texas Roadhouse, which I assiduously avoid due to my daughter’s peanut allergy and management’s practice of indiscriminately tossing peanut shells onto the floors.

Not only does grabbing dinner at American Steakhouse tend to be a great bargain, but the experience also can be great fun. This isn’t a snooty fancy dining experience with linen tablecloths and expensive silverware. You don’t have to worry about your kids getting up from the table or a little wine sloshing over the top of your glass. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a casual feast.

First, you approach the entrance station and place your order.

The meal combinations are clearly photographed and displayed so you know exactly what you will be getting.

Inexpensive options that will entice children are also available.

Wines are very reasonably priced, with half carafes at $4.99 and full carafes at $9.99. After your order is placed, you will be led to a table in one of the spacious dining areas. Don’t be deceived by my photo shot during an off-peak time—American Steakhouse can get very busy during the evening rush.

While you wait for your order to be filled, you will make a trip to the super salad buffet.

Yes, salad fixings are in evidence,

but there’s so much more to the buffet than that.

Among my favorite items are the baked chicken in a vinegary spicy sauce, the eggplant Italiano, the linguine in clam sauce, the Spanish rice, the chili and the apple-peach cobbler. Isabel’s true Italian, and her homemade marinara sauce puts many pricier Italian restaurants to shame.

You may be half full when your order arrives from the kitchen. Loosen your belt a notch or two, because no one leaves American Steakhouse hungry. You see pictured below a typical steak dinner

and a typical seafood dinner.

For dessert, I usually help myself to some pudding or some fruit,

but for those who want something fancier, additional items can be ordered.

The most important thing about dining at American Steakhouse, however, is being able to afford the company you keep. So let me introduce the cast of characters from my American Steakhouse visit. That cast included dear friends Jeffrey & Martha Lee,

their son Jeffrey Junior,

their youngest Allison, a real comedienne,

and daughter Juliet (left) with friend Gabriella.

American Steakhouse, 210 Boston Avenue, Bridgeport, 203-576-9989

American Steakhouse, 1170 East Main Street, Meriden, 203-634-9994

American Steakhouse, 595 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, 203-853-8869

American Steakhouse, 1011 Wolcott Street, Waterbury, 203-756-7529

American Steakhouse, 354 Saw Mill Road, West Haven, 203-937-7818